About SACT

In 1976, before the existence of the City of St. Albert’s Cultural Services Department, St. Albert’s youth programs were focused in the areas of recreation, social services and, to some degree, culture. After conducting several surveys and holding many meetings in schools, the City recognized a need for more specialized programming in theatre and performing arts.

In 1978 the City introduced performing arts programs that were more relevant to community theatre. By 1979 the City had shifted the program’s emphasis to children’s theatre. In 1981 the City created a Cultural Leadership Coordinator position, which helped focus this programming to develop leadership skills in youth. This focus led to the inception of Imaginings — the City’s 1981 summer drama program. Imaginings presented St. Albert’s first all-children production, The Hobbit. From that, St. Albert Children’s Theatre was born.

In 1983 St. Albert Place opened its doors and St. Albert Children’s Theatre (SACT) became its "resident" company. SACT put on regular productions and started to develop a loyal following. By the late 1980s, the program had increased its profile outside of St. Albert. Spring and winter productions became regular, well-publicized events.

In 1995 the City first hosted the International Children’s Festival of the Arts and invited SACT to provide entertainment on the Festival's Outdoor Stage. The following year, SACT moved its spring production to the International Children’s Festival and it became a Main Stage act. Year after year, SACT productions are always the first to sell out at the Festival.

Over SACT’s 35-year history, there have been three Artistic Directors: Maralyn Ryan, the program’s founder (1981 to 1991); John B. Lowe (1991 to 1995); and Janice Flower (1995 to present).

“Full-bodied Broadway musicals; hip alternative fare...St. Albert Children’s Theatre tackles them all, in productions that make no concessions. It’s startling, and inspiring, to see the way young talent rises to the occasion. Definitely not child’s play.”

-Liz Nichols, Edmonton Journal

"St. Albert Children’s Theatre cast really delivers the goods...their youthful energy strikes a spark and makes us smile...it’s pure theatre, the kind with a lot of heart that rouses audience to a standing ovation."